These past few days Grace and I were able to spend some time with some very special people, Heidi, Steven, Olen Ray and baby Bozard. Olen Ray and Grace are 6 months apart and have known each other before they were born.

I was so surprised how well they played together. They actually gave the mommas some time to talk while they played. These two can not get enough of being outside. We played in the sandbox, went to a playground, went on walks, and just enjoyed each other's company.

Well since Grace began using sippy cups (about 9 months or so), we have gone through the process of trying out sippy cups. If you are like me, I only like non-spill cups for obvious reasons, then check out my list of good and bad cups.

We have tried:

Nuby Sippy Cup- This cup was great at the very beginning, but if you press on the nipple then the liquid comes out. So if your little one is like mine and once they figure out how to make a mess it will continue! Good for while they are learning to use a cup, but bad once they get older.

Playtex Straw Cup- This works great and really doesn't spill, but Grace has not quite realized that with a straw cup you have to hold the cup down to get the liquid out. (probably my fault from going back and forth between cup types) These do work great for smoothies though!

Avent Straw Cup- This cup is the worst! Hard to put together, hard to clean, and not even easy for your little one to hold. Do not buy!

Playtex Sipster Cup- I have already thrown these away. They worked well in the beginning, but after cleaning over and over they leaked.

OXO Sippy Cup- This cup is super cute and works pretty well, but every so often if she hits is hard enough the top comes loose and you loose all your milk.

Nuby Straw Sipper- We keep attempting this cup, but she hasn't quite figured out how to drink out of it yet. So far I really like it because it has not leaked!! But if she can't drink out of it, it kind of defeats the purpose.

Nalgene- Grace was given this cup at her birthday... and I wish I could trade out all of these other cups for this one! It is amazing! Never leaks, holds more liquid than most (which is great for a long run!), easy to use, easy to clean and I could go on. If you are at the place your little one still is nursing or using a bottle do you look any further for a sippy cup! I know it is more expensive than all the others, but you will not have to throw it away!

Please let me know if you have a favorite sippy cup! I would love to hear and try more! Thanks.

Before Grace was born I had in my mind that me and my mini me would go and run everyday together. I was blessed with the best stroller and just knew it would be a seamless transition from running alone. Could I ever be so wrong! I learned a few things out about myself... I do not like to be pushed, I enjoy my own pace, I do not have to run EVERYDAY (although I am happier if I do), and I am a lot weaker than I thought.

The first few times running with a stroller was A LOT harder than I had imagined and really there was more walking than running! BUT... it can be done.

Here are a few things I have learned that make running with a stroller more enjoyable:
- find a spot that is fairly flat
- bring your little one snacks, juice, toys, coat etc.
- find a place with a playground as a reward for sitting throughout your run
- don't set time expectations for yourself in the beginning
- listen to music with one earpiece, the other out so you can hear your little one
- if they fall asleep push yourself to keep going until they wake up. Make a game out of it.

Benefits of running with a stroller:
- makes you stronger
- fresh air for you and your little one
- more quality time together
- when you are not pushing a stroller, you feel like you could fly!

This weekend was exactly what I needed! I love relaxed, full weekends! Friday night began with an evening with friends and a run, of course! After our run we stuffed ourselves with homemade chili and cornbread! It was wonderful! I love hiding veggies in places you least expect them.

Chili Recipe

1/2 pound extra lean ground beef

2 stalks celery, diced

1 medium green pepper, diced

2 large onions, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 can (19 oz.) black beans

1 can tomato sauce

shredded cheddar cheese – for garnish, if desired

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. When the beef is halfway browned, add the celery, green pepper, onions and garlic. When the meat is completely browned, add the tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, mustard powder and tomato sauce. Simmer for an hour or two. (Adjust spices to taste.) Add the black beans during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.

Garnish with some shredded cheese if desired.

Saturday Grace let us sleep in till 8! That is a record and it was glorious! After laying around the house for a while we ventured outside to trim bushes. They were in desperate need of trimming and they look so much better. Then we took Grace on a walk/run to enjoy the beautiful weather we have here in SC.

Sunday after church we headed to Greenville to take Grace to the Zoo for the first time! I don't know how much of the animals she was actually taking in, but I know she loved being outside and with her mom and dad. Right next to our zoo is an awesome playground, which was more of a hit than the zoo. She could not get enough of running all around and watching all the children play.

I just wanted to share the cutest little lion with you: (a big change from last year)

Grace had the time of her life last night! She loved seeing all the kids and getting to go on a walk with Daddy, even though she did not understand the whole candy thing. She kept dumping her candy out of her bucket and putting it back in the bucket. Last night Grace got the first taste of a kit-kat and was hooked!